Native freshwater fish species are declining in the haors, canals and beels of Mohanganj, Madan and Khaliajuri upazilas in Netrokona, according to the report. Several species have disappeared, while others are nearing extinction as their breeding has steadily decreased. Threatened large fish include chital, baghair, banehar, beush, shilong and rita; smaller species include rani, kajli, gilachaki, bacha and shrimp.

These fish were caught in rivers and beels in Netrokona and nearby Sunamganj areas 8 to 10 years ago, then sold through Mohanganj’s fish market to traders from Dhaka and elsewhere. Their numbers have fallen over the past 12 years, leaving people more dependent on farmed fish. Fishers attribute the decline partly to reduced water depth and sediment filling rivers, canals and wetlands.

Market representatives and fisheries officials cited illegal nets, gas tablets, pesticide use and drying rivers to catch fish as additional causes. Officials said such practices are prohibited and reported seizing and burning China duari and current nets worth Tk 5 million in several drives this year. They called for continued enforcement, awareness, training and dredging to protect breeding grounds.